US4829632A - Handle assembly or the like - Google Patents

Handle assembly or the like Download PDF

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Publication number
US4829632A
US4829632A US07/191,357 US19135788A US4829632A US 4829632 A US4829632 A US 4829632A US 19135788 A US19135788 A US 19135788A US 4829632 A US4829632 A US 4829632A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
thimble
cross
cross member
opening
sleeve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US07/191,357
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Donald P. Freier
Jack W. Steffen
Michael M. Kecman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kohler Co
Original Assignee
Kohler Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kohler Co filed Critical Kohler Co
Assigned to KOHLER CO., A WI CORP. reassignment KOHLER CO., A WI CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: FREIER, DONALD P., KECMAN, MICHAEL M., STEFFEN, JACK W.
Priority to US07/191,357 priority Critical patent/US4829632A/en
Priority to ES198989100096T priority patent/ES2040385T3/es
Priority to EP89100096A priority patent/EP0324366B1/de
Priority to DE8989100096T priority patent/DE68905344T2/de
Priority to CA000587734A priority patent/CA1313172C/en
Priority to MX014513A priority patent/MX166818B/es
Priority to JP1005023A priority patent/JPH0823787B2/ja
Publication of US4829632A publication Critical patent/US4829632A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B1/00—Knobs or handles for wings; Knobs, handles, or press buttons for locks or latches on wings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
    • F16K31/60—Handles
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/57—Distinct end coupler
    • Y10T403/5733—Plural opposed sockets

Definitions

  • This invention relates particularly to decorative handle assemblies, preferably those used to control rotatable valve stems.
  • the invention is also useful for securing a handle like element in other instances (e.g. in conjunction with a door).
  • an exposed valve control stem is provided with a fluted attachment head having a threaded screw hole at its outer end.
  • the typical faucet handle has a fluted socket that receives the head, and an attachment screw is inserted through an access hole that opens through the outer end of the handle.
  • a decorative sleeve usually surrounds the exposed portion of the valve stem below the handle, and is held between the handle and a countertop or the like.
  • the invention provides a handle assembly or the like connectable to a support.
  • an open-ended sleeve is provided which is connectable to the support by fastener inserted and removed through the open end, the sleeve having at least one aligned opposite cross opening near the open end.
  • a thimble portion covers the open end and has at least one opening for alignment with the cross opening.
  • a first cross member is engageable in an opening of the thimble portion.
  • a handle arm not integral with the first cross member extends from the thimble portion opposite the fist cross member.
  • a threaded connecting means is disposed within the thimble portion to hold the sleeve and the first cross member in place.
  • a thimble has opposite openings aligned with cross openings in the sleeve and there are two cross members engageable in the thimble openings and secured therein by the threaded connecting means.
  • a thimble covers the open end, the thimble having opposite openings aligned with the cross openings and being internally threaded.
  • a first cross member is engageable in openings of the sleeve and the thimble, the first member having external threads for engagement with the internal threads of said thimble.
  • a second cross member not integral with the first cross member is engageable in openings of the sleeve and the thimble, the second member having external threads for engagement with the internal threads of said thimble. The threads of the thimble and the first and second cross members hold the thimble and the first and second members in place.
  • the threaded connecting means includes a screw secured in an axial through bore of one of the cross members and threads in the other of the cross members for engagement with the screw threads.
  • the threaded connecting means includes first cross members positionable entirely between the ends of the thimble and second cross members which cover the thimble opening and hide the first cross members from view.
  • the invention is adaptable to other applications such as a towel bar support or robe hook by using a base bracket having a post shaped like a conventional valve stem and then attaching a similar sleeve and thimble.
  • One of the cross members may be, for example, a towel or robe hook.
  • the objects of the invention therefore include:
  • FIG. 1 is a view, partially in cross section and with parts broken away, showing a faucet handle assembly constituting one embodiment of the invention, the assembly being shown attached to a valve stem;
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial view similar to that of FIG. 1 showing another embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is a view in partial vertical cross section showing still another embodiment
  • FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a wall mounted robe hook assembly
  • FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is a view in partial vertical cross section showing yet another embodiment.
  • the handle assembly generally 10 is shown in conjunction with a threaded valve stem 11. It includes a sleeve 12 having an annular compartment 13 for receiving a spline adapter 14. The sleeve 12 rests on the spline adapter 14. The spline adapter 14 rests on a narrowing portion 15 so as to be retained on the valve stem shoulder 11a.
  • a mounting screw 16 passes through a through bore 17 and against a stop 18 for mounting the handle assembly 10 to the valve stem 11.
  • the sleeve 12 has stem portion 20 which has an open top for reception of the screw 16. It also has the radiused shoulders 21 and 22 for positioning in the bottom opening 28 of the thimble 25. The opening 28 and the shoulders 21 and 22 are dimensioned so that the shoulders can be received inside the thimble a sufficient distance so that a limited rotating arrangement is provided.
  • the thimble 25 has internal threads 29 as well as opposing openings one of which is shown at 26. This is afforded by the fact that thimble 25 is an open tubular member.
  • the handle assembly 10 also includes two identical handle end pieces 30 each having a reduced diameter threaded portion 31 and a further reduced diameter extension 32. There is also shown the indexing rings 35 which are secured against a shoulder 27 adjacent to the threaded portions 31 as well as the brass washers 34 and the rubber O-rings 33 for placement over the extension portions 32. If desired the extension portions can be internally threaded such as shown at 36 for purposes of which will be later explained.
  • the thimble 25 is adapted to be placed over the end of the stem portion 20.
  • the threaded portions 31 of the handle end pieces 30 are threaded into the internal threads 29 of the thimble 25 with the O-rings 33 and the brass washers 34 placed on the extensions 32 and the indexing rings 35 placed against shoulder 27 adjacent to the threaded portions 31.
  • the handle end pieces 30 are turned until the indexing rings 35 are in contact with the thimble 25 and abut against the shoulders 27, and the O-rings 33 press against the stem portion 20 and the washers 34 press against the shoulders 24.
  • the handle assembly 10 appears as in FIG. 1.
  • a secure fitment of the handle end pieces 30 to the thimble 25 as well as to the stem portion 20 is afforded by the extension portions 32 projecting into the opposed openings 23 of the stem portion 20.
  • the exposed indexing rings 35 provide a decorative effect as they can be of various colors and positioned between the handle end pieces 30 and the thimble 25.
  • This provides a smooth and aesthetic looking handle as the handle end pieces 30 and the thimble 25 have the same outside diameter.
  • the purpose of the O-rings 33 and the brass washers 34 are to provide a spacing and resilient connection between the handle pieces 30 and the thimble 25 as well as the sleeve 12 for any tolerances.
  • the O-rings in their compressed state compensate for tolerance build up as well as provide a lock washer effect with the washers to prevent the end pieces from loosening.
  • embodiment 10 Referring to the embodiment generally-10A shown in FIG. 3, all of the previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter A.
  • the difference between embodiment 10 and 10A is the fact that the indexing rings 35 are no longer utilized and neither are the brass washers 34.
  • the indexing rings are no longer utilized, neither are the brass washers 34. Accordingly, they are eliminated. This allows the threaded portions 31A to be screwed into the threads 29A of the thimble 25A for a greater distance.
  • the O-rings 33A provide a resilient connection.
  • embodiment 10B provides a more tamper resistant version for the handle assembly.
  • the previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter B.
  • the tamper resistant version is afforded by utilizing a modified end piece 37B having a through bore 38B to receive the screw 39B.
  • the screw 39B has the threads 42B for engagement with internal threads 36B inside the handle end piece 30B.
  • Handle end piece 37B has a compartment 40B for receiving the screw head 41B.
  • a cap 43B with the resilient fingers 44B is placed over the compartment 40B so as to conceal the screw head 41B.
  • the fingers 44B provide a frictional engagement means. If desired, an adhesive can be employed to seal the fingers 44B into the compartment. This would further resist removal of the cap 43B.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the handle assembly generally 10C.
  • the previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter C.
  • This embodiment 10C is similar to 10B in utilizing the internal screw 39C and the cap 43C. It will be seen that the threads on the thimble 45C have been eliminated as have been the threads on the handle end pieces 46C and 47C.
  • FIG. 6 depicts how assemblies of this type can be used for a wide variety of handle or the like functions.
  • the assembly is a bathroom accessory, a robe hook generally 10D.
  • the previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter D.
  • the embodiment is the same as depicted in FIG. 1 except the valve stem 11 has been replaced by a base bracket which has a support 49D shaped like a valve stem and from which extends a flange 50D.
  • a screw 51D passes through the flange 50D and into the wall 52D.
  • FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 7-9 can similarly be employed.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 show yet another embodiment of the handle assembly generally 10E.
  • the previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter E.
  • This embodiment 10E is similar to 10. However there is one important difference in providing the additional vandal resistant screws 57E. These have a reduced diameter portion 58E for fitting into the openings 23E of the stem portion 20E. An allen wrench non-circular hole 60E is provided which facilitates wrench tightening.
  • the screws 57E have external threads 59E for engagement with the internal threads 29E of the thimble 25E.
  • the engagement of the screw 57E with the thimble 25E and the extension of the reduced diameter portion 58E into the stem opening 23E as well as the engagement of the end pieces 30E in the thimble 25E provide a very sturdy handle assembly.
  • the handle assembly 10E is shown in conjunction with a valve assembly 55 including a stabilizer portion 56.
  • embodiment 10F provides an even more tamper resistant version for the handle assembly 10E.
  • the previous components are designated by the same numbers followed by the letter F.
  • This handle assembly incorporates the tamper-resistant components of the handle assembly 10B.
  • Through bore 61F is provided in the screws 57F to afford passage of the screw 39F.
  • the invention provides an improved faucet handle assembly or the like. While the preferred embodiments have been described above, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • having the internal threads 36, 36E offers the advantage of one component being used with the threaded thimble 25 and/or the screws 39B and 39F as indicated in FIGS.
  • Embodiments 10A without the indexing rings.
  • Embodiments 10B, 10C and 10F do not include the indexing rings 35. These could be included in these embodiments and the brass washers 34 could be included in embodiments 10B and 10C.
  • one of the handle pieces 30 could form a handle arm integral with the thimble 25. All such and other modifications are meant to be within the scope of the invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanically-Actuated Valves (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)
  • Dowels (AREA)
US07/191,357 1988-01-13 1988-05-06 Handle assembly or the like Expired - Lifetime US4829632A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/191,357 US4829632A (en) 1988-01-13 1988-05-06 Handle assembly or the like
ES198989100096T ES2040385T3 (es) 1988-01-13 1989-01-04 Conjunto de manija o similar.
EP89100096A EP0324366B1 (de) 1988-01-13 1989-01-04 Bedienungsvorrichtung oder dgl.
DE8989100096T DE68905344T2 (de) 1988-01-13 1989-01-04 Bedienungsvorrichtung oder dgl.
CA000587734A CA1313172C (en) 1988-01-13 1989-01-09 Handle assembly or the like
MX014513A MX166818B (es) 1988-01-13 1989-01-12 Montaje de mango conectable a un soporte
JP1005023A JPH0823787B2 (ja) 1988-01-13 1989-01-13 ハンドル組立体又はその類似物

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14398388A 1988-01-13 1988-01-13
US07/191,357 US4829632A (en) 1988-01-13 1988-05-06 Handle assembly or the like

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14398388A Continuation-In-Part 1988-01-13 1988-01-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4829632A true US4829632A (en) 1989-05-16

Family

ID=26841574

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/191,357 Expired - Lifetime US4829632A (en) 1988-01-13 1988-05-06 Handle assembly or the like

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4829632A (de)
EP (1) EP0324366B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH0823787B2 (de)
CA (1) CA1313172C (de)
DE (1) DE68905344T2 (de)
ES (1) ES2040385T3 (de)
MX (1) MX166818B (de)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4998321A (en) * 1990-01-17 1991-03-12 Kohler Co. Handle assembly
US5850846A (en) * 1996-03-06 1998-12-22 Friedrich Grohe Ag Handle assembly for single-control valve
US5852848A (en) * 1997-09-25 1998-12-29 Wolverine Brass, Inc. Faucet Handle
US6584648B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2003-07-01 Newfrey Llc Faucet handle threaded end cap with hex drive
US20070069091A1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-03-29 Nifty Nob, Inc. Decoratable utility rod assemblies
US20080053531A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-03-06 Smith Matthew S Faucet incorporating vandal resistant features
US8671545B1 (en) 2005-09-28 2014-03-18 Nifty Nob, Inc. Decoratable utility rod assemblies
US9303391B2 (en) 2010-09-16 2016-04-05 Kohler Co. Faucet mount assembly
CN114482209A (zh) * 2020-10-28 2022-05-13 德尔塔阀门公司 水龙头手柄组件

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5797422A (en) * 1996-12-20 1998-08-25 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Faucet handle assembly
GB9927512D0 (en) * 1999-11-23 2000-01-19 Harbert Francis C Radiator valve cap with control arm

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1518224A (en) * 1922-06-07 1924-12-09 Snap On Wrench Company Tap wrench
US1685643A (en) * 1927-08-18 1928-09-25 Micall John Handle-securing means for shank-forming tools
US2542941A (en) * 1947-11-04 1951-02-20 Jordan A Post Wall bracket
US2574648A (en) * 1946-05-01 1951-11-13 Continental Oil Co Rail connector
US4349940A (en) * 1981-01-26 1982-09-21 Kohler Co. Faucet handle assembly

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE259939C (de) *
DE345445C (de) * 1921-02-12 1921-12-12 Westfaelische Metallwarenfabri Befestigung von Seitenteilen aus Holz, Horn usw. in den Mittelstuecken von Griffen fuer Fenster, Tueren, Moebel usw
DE8605491U1 (de) * 1986-02-28 1986-04-17 Tummescheit, Hubertus, 2071 Köthel Handhabe für einen Flügel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1518224A (en) * 1922-06-07 1924-12-09 Snap On Wrench Company Tap wrench
US1685643A (en) * 1927-08-18 1928-09-25 Micall John Handle-securing means for shank-forming tools
US2574648A (en) * 1946-05-01 1951-11-13 Continental Oil Co Rail connector
US2542941A (en) * 1947-11-04 1951-02-20 Jordan A Post Wall bracket
US4349940A (en) * 1981-01-26 1982-09-21 Kohler Co. Faucet handle assembly

Non-Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Kalista advertisement showing the "Minos" handle together with a cross-sectional view thereof and photos thereof.
Kalista advertisement showing the Minos handle together with a cross sectional view thereof and photos thereof. *
Kohler advertisement (and a cross sectional drawing thereof) showing the Cygnet Handle . *
Kohler advertisement (and a cross-sectional drawing thereof) showing the "Cygnet Handle".

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4998321A (en) * 1990-01-17 1991-03-12 Kohler Co. Handle assembly
EP0439840A1 (de) * 1990-01-17 1991-08-07 Kohler Co. Betätigungsgriff
US5850846A (en) * 1996-03-06 1998-12-22 Friedrich Grohe Ag Handle assembly for single-control valve
US5852848A (en) * 1997-09-25 1998-12-29 Wolverine Brass, Inc. Faucet Handle
US6584648B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2003-07-01 Newfrey Llc Faucet handle threaded end cap with hex drive
US7571532B2 (en) 2005-09-28 2009-08-11 Nifty Nob, Inc. Method of customizing a utility rod
US20080178452A1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2008-07-31 Nifty Nob, Inc. Decoratable Utility Rod Assemblies
US20070069091A1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-03-29 Nifty Nob, Inc. Decoratable utility rod assemblies
US20090271968A1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2009-11-05 Zimmerman Susan C Decoratable Utility Rod Assemblies
US7900334B2 (en) 2005-09-28 2011-03-08 Nifty Nob, Inc. Method of customizing a utility rod
US8671545B1 (en) 2005-09-28 2014-03-18 Nifty Nob, Inc. Decoratable utility rod assemblies
US9410660B2 (en) 2005-09-28 2016-08-09 Nifty Nob, Inc. Decoratable utility rod assemblies
US20080053531A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-03-06 Smith Matthew S Faucet incorporating vandal resistant features
US7886763B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2011-02-15 Moen Incorporated Faucet incorporating vandal resistant features
US9303391B2 (en) 2010-09-16 2016-04-05 Kohler Co. Faucet mount assembly
CN114482209A (zh) * 2020-10-28 2022-05-13 德尔塔阀门公司 水龙头手柄组件
US11946235B2 (en) 2020-10-28 2024-04-02 Delta Faucet Company Faucet handle assembly
CN114482209B (zh) * 2020-10-28 2024-05-31 德尔塔阀门公司 水龙头手柄组件

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE68905344D1 (de) 1993-04-22
CA1313172C (en) 1993-01-26
JPH0823787B2 (ja) 1996-03-06
DE68905344T2 (de) 1993-08-26
MX166818B (es) 1993-02-08
EP0324366A1 (de) 1989-07-19
EP0324366B1 (de) 1993-03-17
JPH01222320A (ja) 1989-09-05
ES2040385T3 (es) 1993-10-16

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Owner name: KOHLER CO., KOHLER, WI, A WI CORP.

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